Program Overview
Tennessee State University’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to prepare experienced educators for leadership roles in curriculum development, instructional design, teacher education, and educational policy. Rooted in a foundation of scholarly inquiry and practical application, the program equips candidates to analyze and improve teaching and learning across diverse educational settings. Through rigorous coursework and original research, candidates develop the skills necessary to address complex educational challenges, advocate for equitable and effective instructional practices, and lead systemic reform in K-12, higher education, and community-based learning environments
Program Outcomes
At the completion of the program, doctoral candidates will be able to:
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of real-world educational challenges, foundational theories, and current research in curriculum and instruction. (Qualifying Exam) EdD Curriculum & Instruction
- Articulate a clear understanding of research methodologies commonly used in educational research. (Qualifying Exam)
- Evaluate and critique advanced theories, theoretical frameworks, and models in curriculum development and instructional design. (Comprehensive Exam)
- Demonstrate proficiency in advanced quantitative and/or qualitative research methods applicable to educational contexts. (Comprehensive Exam)
- Formulate a significant and original research question that addresses a gap in the field of curriculum and instruction. (Proposal Defense) • Design a comprehensive research methodology appropriate for addressing the proposed research question. (Proposal Defense)
- Analyze and interpret research findings using appropriate statistical or qualitative techniques, drawing meaningful conclusions that contribute new knowledge to the field of curriculum and instruction. (Dissertation Defense)
- Effectively communicate and defend research findings, methodology, and implications through both written dissertation and oral presentation. (Dissertation Defense)
Admission Requirements
- A minimum G.P.A. of 3.25 is required on the last graduate degree, either Masters or Education Specialist. No more than thirty (30) semester hours from an Education Specialist degree may be used toward the doctorate. The doctoral program coordinator in consultation with the applicant’s advisor will recommend the appropriate Education Specialist credits to be transferred.
- An acceptable work experience record.
- Three (3) letters of recommendation indicating probable success in a doctoral program of study.
- Evidence of academic writing will be requested as part of the overall evaluation process.
- An acceptable interview including on-demand writing.
The admissions committee will review the applicant’s academic and professional record in making the admissions decision. Consideration will be given to (a) previous graduate GPA, (b) GRE or MAT scores, (c)other factors as listed above. Applicants whose standardized test scores are below the expected minimums may be considered for admission to these programs if: (1) the overall record indicates potential academic success in doctoral study, and (2) the applicant’s overall demeanor and persistence in academic rigor is judged to be comparable to that of the other applicants in the admissions cycle.
Program Duration
3-4 years (6-8 semesters + 3 summers)
Transfer of Credits
Completed Ed.S. Degree Credits
Students who have been awarded the Ed.S. degree from an accredited institution may be granted full credit for up to a maximum of thirty (30) hours if the transfer hours apply to the student’s program of study. Students who have completed their Ed.S. degrees at other institutions must meet residency requirements and must enroll in at least six (6) semester hours of major area courses at TSU. Students who transfer core courses from other institutions must have earned at least a “B” in each course. The doctoral program coordinator in consultation with the applicant’s EdD Curriculum & Instruction Handbook Rev. 9/2024 7 advisor will recommend the appropriate Education Specialist credits to be transferred. If the doctoral program coordinator also serves as the applicant’s advisor, then a graduate faculty member who serves as an advisor for doctoral students will be selected to consult with the doctoral program coordinator regarding the appropriate number of Education Specialist credits to be transferred. The course substitution form should be used for TSU courses only.
Incomplete Doctoral Degree Credits
Students who have earned hours above the master’s degree will be allowed to apply a maximum of 6 credit hours toward the Ed.D. degree. Credit for these 6 hours will be granted at the time the student advances to candidacy provided the hours are from a regionally accredited institution authorized to offer graduate work beyond the master’s degree, a grade of “B” or above was earned, and the hours are applicable to the student’s Doctor of Education program. Credit will not be extended to include workshops, extension courses or short-term courses. In special circumstances, students may be allowed to transfer up to twelve (12) hours (e.g., student who has earned two master’s or who has recent and significant hours toward a doctoral degree in education or related field). All post Master’s Degree transfer hours (excluding the Ed.S.) applied to the doctoral degree must have been taken within the last ten (10) years.
Degree Requirements
Residency
Students in a doctoral program must establish academic residency by completing a minimum of eighteen (18) hours over a period of four (4) academic year semesters or two (2) academic year semesters and two (2) summer registrations (2 sessions per one summer equals one registration).
Academic Standards
Grades of “C” or lower cannot count toward the doctoral degree, nor does the grade of “C”.
Key Milestones
- Qualifying Exam: After completion of all core courses
- Comprehensive Exam: After completion of 75% of coursework
- Proposal Defense: After Comprehensive Exam
- Dissertation Defense: Upon completion of dissertation
- Graduation: Dissertation is approved dissertation committee
Accreditation Information
The Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction is a non-accredited degree. Non-accreditable graduate programs in Tennessee must undergo either an academic audit or external peer review on a pre-approved review cycle. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s (THEC) program review rubric lists the criteria used to evaluate a program. This rubric consists of 32 criteria. THEC uses these criteria to assess standards and distribute points to graduate programs. The Ed.D. successfully complete this review in Spring, 2025.
Career Opportunities
Graduates pursue roles such as university faculty, curriculum directors, education policy analysts, or senior instructional leaders at district and state levels.
Program Website
Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
https://www.tnstate.edu/teaching/degrees/doctoral.aspx
Program Coordinator/Contact Information
Program of Study and Credit Hours Required
A minimum of sixty (60) credit hours of approved course work beyond the Master’s degree is required: twelve (12) credit hours of foundations courses, fifteen (15) credit hours of curriculum, nine (9) credit hours of research & statistics, nine (9) credit hours of cognate, and 15 (fifteen) credit hours credit for the satisfactory completion of the doctoral dissertation. Also required is the successful completion of a written qualifying examination to be taken not earlier than 15 credit hours and not later than 18 credit hours, a written comprehensive examination including an oral defense, proposal defense prior to beginning the dissertation, and residency of a minimum of eighteen (18) credit hours over a period of four (4) semesters.
Candidates with an Ed.S. will take the qualifying exam not earlier than an additional nine (9) credit hours of study but not later than an additional 18 credit hours of study.
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